Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2007 Honda Pilot 2WD V6-3.5LFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition Timing: Testing and Inspection
Ignition Timing Inspection
1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC),and check for DTCs. If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.
2. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm with no load (in the N or P position) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
3. Check the idle speed.
4. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
5. Connect the timing light to the service loop.
6. Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the timing belt cover. Check the ignition timing under a no load condition, (headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off)
7. If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the timing is OK, update the powertrain control module (PCM) if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good PCM, then recheck. If the ignition system works properly, and the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM.
8. Disconnect the HDS, and the timing light.
1. Connect the Honda Diagnostic System (HDS) to the data link connector (DLC),and check for DTCs. If a DTC is present, diagnose and repair the cause before inspecting the ignition timing.
2. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 3,000 rpm with no load (in the N or P position) until the radiator fan comes on, then let it idle.
3. Check the idle speed.
4. Jump the SCS line with the HDS.
5. Connect the timing light to the service loop.
6. Aim the light toward the pointer (A) on the timing belt cover. Check the ignition timing under a no load condition, (headlights, blower fan, rear window defogger, and air conditioner are turned off)
7. If the ignition timing differs from the specification, check the cam timing. If the timing is OK, update the powertrain control module (PCM) if it does not have the latest software, or substitute a known-good PCM, then recheck. If the ignition system works properly, and the PCM was substituted, replace the original PCM.
8. Disconnect the HDS, and the timing light.
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.